Accessory Mental Foramina in Dry Mandibles: An Observational Study Along with Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Year: 2025
Type: review
Abstract: Background/Objectives: Mental Foramen (MF) constitutes a passage for mental nerve and vessels, and is a crucial anatomical landmark in the body of the mandible. The Accessory Mental Foramen (AMF) is a small, addable foramen proximate to MF, mainly located posteriorly. AMF is a rare anatomical variation in human mandibles which must be taken into consideration throughout dental and surgical operations. We aimed to assess the incidence and perform a morphological and morphometric analysis of AMFs in human dry mandibles of Greek population in addition to a relevant systematic review and meta-analysis of worldwide data. Methods: We studied 114 human adult dry mandibles of unknown gender and age available in the Laboratory of Anatomy, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece. Moreover, we used the search term “accessory mental foramen” in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases to detect all publications reporting prevalence and morphology of AMF in dry mandibles. Quality assessment was performed with the relevant Johanna-Briggs Institute tool. Results: According to our data, the MF was present in all observed mandibles and it was bilateral. Nine AMFs (5 right/4 left; 5 round/4 oval; 6 posterior/3 anterior to MF), were found in 7 mandibles (5 single, 2 double), all unilateral. AMFs presented 0.96±0.43 mm mean diameter, 4.12±2.15 mm mean distance from MF, 12.68±4.10 mm from alveolar ridge, and 11.92±1.57 mm from mandible lower border. Furthermore, 27 publications were included in the meta-analysis; the combined AMF prevalence was 6.1% (95% CI: 4.8% - 7.6%; I2 60%), the combined mean vertical axis was 1.18 ± 0.61 mm, and the combined mean distance from MF was 3.64 ± 2.29 mm. Bilateral AMFs were detected in 2.1% of AMF cases. Oval shape was described in 37.3% of AMFs. No publication bias was detected. Conclusions: Dental surgeons must have a comprehensive understanding of the anatomical variations in the mental foramen (MF) and the potential presence of accessory mental foramina (AMFs). This knowledge is essential to prevent or mitigate the risk of postoperative complications such as pain, anesthesia, injury, and other adverse outcomes. By incorporating this anatomical insight into surgical and anesthetic planning, clinicians can enhance patient safety and procedural success.
Source: Dentistry Journal
DOI: 10.3390/dj13030094
Institution: Democritus University of Thrace
Language: English
Subfield: Oral Surgery
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,413
OpenAlex ID: W4407940952